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As the notion of a fresh leftwing party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its leaders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a new beginning.

Concerning First Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are former Labour members, disappointed by the policies of the current government and seeking a ideological base as they fear the growing influence of the rival party.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

But when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a short distance from the venue.

Structure Disagreement

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader voted into power, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members selected this approach.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she feels are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that relations between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Strains came to a head around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – especially the the political group. Her aide labeled this a “witch-hunt”, adding: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were furious, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “distraction”. They think allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be registered with the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s events turned into group conflicts when they would have wanted to focus on key issues such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

The group is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters think the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the official title and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still wish for unity.

Yet the majority of attendees remained despondent as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was summed up by one delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a entire container.”